Enhancing In Vitro Production of the Tree Fern Cyathea delgadii and Modifying Secondary Metabolite Profiles by LED Lighting

Abstract

The tree ferns are an important component of tropical forests. In view of this, the enhancement of in vitro production of these plants is needed. Thus, the effect of different light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as well as control fluorescent lamps (Fl) and a 3-week-long period of darkness at the beginning of in vitro culture on micropropagation of the tree fern Cyathea delgadii Sternb. was analysed. Moreover, the photosynthetic pigment content and secondary metabolite profiles were estimated. The period of darkness contributed to a high production of somatic embryo-derived sporophytes and a low production of gametophytes. The formation of new sporophytes was stimulated by RBY (35% red, 15% blue, and 50% yellow) and B (100% blue) lights when the stipe explants or whole young sporophytes were used in the culture, respectively. The elongation of the roots and leaves was stimulated by RBfR light (35% red, 15% blue, and 50% far red), while root production increased under RBY light. The RB (70% red and 30% blue) and B lights stimulated the accumulation of chlorophyll better than Fl light. The most abundant metabolite found in the plant extracts was trans-5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (1.013 µg/mg of dry weight). The extract obtained from plants growing in a greenhouse had the best antioxidant activity.

Organogenesis and Antioxidant Capacity of Streptocarpus ×hybridus In Vitro under Different LED Light Spectrum Composition

“…In our research on Streptocarpus, the use of wavelengths from the far-red or ultraviolet range (RBfR, RBUV) in the RB LED mixed spectrum had an inhibitory effect on the growth and development of the plant-fewer shoots were obtained, which were additionally low, and in the case of light with UV addition, there were also fewer leaves. There have also been reported cases of degrading effects of UV light, especially when applied in excessive amounts, on plant growth and development, e.g., the restriction of growth of gametophytes of Cyathea delgadii in vitro [48], decrease in cell proliferation and even death of callus of Fagonia indica [49], or tissue damage and reduction in the number of shoots of Phylanthus tenellus [50]. In general, UV light is considered harmful by plants and they seek to protect themselves from its effects.…”

Polish Contribution to Global Research on Somatic Embryogenesis

“…e tree fern Cyathea delgadii experimental protocol has provided a unique and simple system for cytological and physiological analyses of early SE events in single somatic cells. It also allows the factors stimulating the development of somatic embryo-derived sporophytes and the production of secondary metabolites (Tomaszewicz et al, 2022).…”

The Metabolite Content of the Post-Culture Medium of the Tree Fern Cyathea delgadii Sternb. Cell Suspension Cultured in the Presence of 2,4-D and BAP

“…As an experimental plant species, this fern appeared to be very promising due to its excellent morphogenic potential, allowing the formation of somatic embryos without the use of any plant growth regulators, but only by keeping the culture in the dark [ 2 ]. This efficient system of plant regeneration has provided new data on somatic embryogenesis studied at different levels of fern morphogenesis, using different methods and tools [ 3 , 4 ]. This scientific information was obtained based on experiments conducted on solidified agar medium.…”